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Wake up call sounds

A ‘tired’ Thierry Henry says that Arsenal have the quality to bounce right back

by TONY CASCARINO

October 28 2002, 12:00am, The Times

THIERRY HENRY FLASHES his charming smile as he offers an outstretched hand. “Ah, Tony. Ca va bien?” he says in his effervescent way. “Of course I remember you from playing for Marseilles. Everyone in Marseilles would recognise you. You were like a king there because of your goals.” I scored 61 league goals in two seasons for Marseilles, but I was nonetheless embarrassed and taken aback. I admitted to missing France. “Ah bon?” he answered, surprised, as his brown eyes opened and his eyebrows rose towards the ceiling.

I was at a low ebb when I signed for Marseilles, who had been relegated to the second division because of financial irregularities. I loved the laid-back lifestyle, the weather and the food. I got the impression…